Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 533: Restoration of the Imperial Examination
The time has come to the Second Year of Yong’an, in February.
The grass grows and the orioles fly, the snow that once blanketed the earth has melted considerably, revealing a faint glimpse of tender green across the vast open fields.
February 5th.
A piece of news spread across the land: The Emperor issued an edict to restore the examination system, and the provincial exams would be held in August at Luonan.
Moreover, there are no requirements set for this provincial exam.
In the past, to participate in the provincial exams, one had to be a Scholar; those who passed were Advanced Scholars, and the top scorer was the Champion Scholar.
But in this court edict, there were no such stipulations, meaning that Child Students who hadn’t participated in the academy exams, or even ordinary commoners, could sign up to participate.
News spread quickly, shocking the nation and exciting countless scholars.
It is known that the court temporarily canceled the examination system due to rebellion, but unexpectedly, it has been five years since then.
Five years.
Do you know how the scholars of the land have managed these five years?
For scholars nationwide, the examination system is their path forward, and even more so for ordinary people. If they get listed on the golden rolls, their fate can change instantly, returning home with glory.
And the cancellation of the exams cut off their path.
Especially for poor families, raising a scholar, especially during these chaotic times, nearly exhausted their savings. Seeing the exams canceled was like seeing all their investment go to waste.
During these five-plus years, for them, it could be said that life has been hazy and uncertain.
But soon, they discovered a problem.
The location for the provincial exam is at Luonan.
It’s known that unlike the metropolitan and palace exams, the provincial exam does not require travel to the Capital.
Provincial exams are held by each state’s State City.
After passing, they can travel to the Capital for the metropolitan exam.
But this time, the court edict specifically noted the exam location in Luonan.
Doesn’t that mean it’s not being held at each state’s State City...
...
Yan State.
The domain of King Anping, Chu Ji, lies between Huai State and Chongzhou.
Actually, Chu Ji’s power among all Chu-named Vassal Kings isn’t weak, ranking even in the top three, with more than twenty thousand soldiers under his command.
Yet, unfortunately, his fief is bordered by those ranked first and second in strength.
Compared to Prince Huai and King Chong, Chu Ji seems somewhat inadequate.
This has led to him playing an inconspicuous role throughout the chaos, amid the Celestial Master Army’s millions of mercenaries, Prince Huai’s loyalist army rallying against Xu Guozhong, and the powerful rise of Chen Mo, Chu Ji’s presence has remained unremarkable in the eyes of the world.
However, this also means that Yan State has remained peaceful, maintaining good order. Although the living conditions of the people have been less than ideal due to the chaos, at least they have enough to eat to survive.
For other citizens engulfed in war, this is a dream-like place.
At this moment in Prince Anping’s Mansion.
In the study room.
The Prefect of Yanzhou, Zhang Le, is discussing the examination system with Chu Ji.
In the past, whenever provincial exams were held, the court would instruct the prefects of all states to make preparations, and then the prefects would inform the local officials, passing the information about when and where the exams would be held to all counties and villages, ensuring everyone was aware, so scholars wouldn’t miss the provincial exams.
However, now, although the court has broadly announced to the land the restoration of the examination system and even stated the exam periods, it did not instruct each state to host them.
In other words, the court intends to bypass local governance and conduct them independently.
"Prince, do you think Lu Sheng has something against us? Otherwise, why didn’t he inform us in advance about such a significant event as the restoration of the examination system?" Zhang Le said.
"Lu Sheng is worried that others might steal the fruits of his labor," Chu Ji replied.
Zhang Le: "???"
Although Chu Ji may not be widely known, as a Vassal King whose power ranks in the top five, he is very astute, immediately offering an explanation to Zhang Le.
It’s quite simple. Currently, the areas the court can effectively control are less than three states; all other states in the Great Song are controlled by other Vassal Kings and local forces, who do not heed the court’s orders, causing military divisions.
If the court allowed each state to hold the provincial exams, it would result in the talents selected there being held tightly by the state’s rulers, never reaching the court.
Thus, the court’s order to restore the examination system would be like sewing garments for others.
On this premise, if states privately held provincial exams, it would be against the rules and considered overstepping. Although the court can’t manage it, the state’s rulers would lose their moral high ground, and could even be labeled as insurgents or rebellious factions.
"Prince, should we prevent our state’s scholars from going to Luonan, lest our state’s talents be drawn in by Lu Sheng?" Zhang Le asked.
As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Ji glared at Zhang Le and said, "Are you trying to make the scholars of Yan State resent me?"
Stopping scholars from going to Luonan would be forbidding them from the exams, cutting off their path.
Wouldn’t they then go against Chu Ji?
"Then should we conduct our own examination system, since the court isn’t going to bother us?" Zhang Le asked.
Chu Ji indeed isn’t afraid; the court wouldn’t launch a massive campaign against him over such a trivial matter, at most leveling a few accusations which are practically negligible to Chu Ji.
But the crucial point is...
"If those who pass become Advanced Scholars, how would you arrange them?" Chu Ji asked.
Chu Ji only has power over one state, thirty-five counties.
There are no vacancies in the county offices, so new officials cannot be accommodated.
Moreover, in these chaotic times, the stability of Yan State is owed to Chu Ji’s alliances with local Noble Clans, who help maintain peace in the counties.
Imposing new officials onto the counties would infringe upon the interests of these Noble Clans, and Chu Ji could not guarantee the stability of Yan State then.
Zhang Le’s face turned stiff, as he realized this point and said, "So we just watch helplessly as talents flow away?"
Chu Ji sneered, "Yan State is nearly a thousand miles from Luonan; walking there would take a month or two at least. Now, with the world in turmoil, would you be willing to endure a long journey to Luonan for the exams?"
Zhang Le thought for a moment, shook his head, but still said, "But what if some are stubborn-headed?"
"Here’s what you’ll do: have each county issue an announcement, stating that bandits are roaming several major roads outside Yan State, even raiding merchant caravans escorted by soldiers. You understand my meaning, right?" Chu Ji said.
"Prince, you are wise." Zhang Le naturally understood, this was intended to scare off scholars from venturing to Luonan for the exams.
Under such resistance, most people would be deterred, but those who persist might still be just a few, perhaps ten or so.
With so few, let them go if they wish.
But if the numbers become large, then it certainly won’t do.
